Shloka 13
Balarāma Visits Vraja: Consoling the Gopīs and Dragging the Yamunā
कथं नु गृह्णन्त्यनवस्थितात्मनो वच: कृतघ्नस्य बुधा: पुरस्त्रिय: । गृह्णन्ति वै चित्रकथस्य सुन्दर- स्मितावलोकोच्छ्वसितस्मरातुरा: ॥ १३ ॥
kathaṁ nu gṛhṇanty anavasthitātmano vacaḥ kṛta-ghnasya budhāḥ pura-striyaḥ gṛhṇanti vai citra-kathasya sundara- smitāvalokocchvasita-smarāturāḥ
城中聪慧的女子怎能信那心意不定、忘恩负义之人的言语？然而她们仍信他，因为他所说的故事奇妙动人，又因他含笑的美目一瞥，撩起她们心中的情欲波澜。
According to Śrīdhara Svāmī, some gopīs speak the first two lines of this verse, and others reply in the second two lines.
FAQs
This verse says even wise city women accept and are overwhelmed by Kṛṣṇa’s words and presence—his speech, smiles, glances, and breath awaken intense longing, showing His extraordinary, captivating potency.
In the mood of the narrative, it reflects the women’s humanlike complaint born of separation and longing—seeing Him as hard to grasp and not reciprocating as they hope—while the text simultaneously highlights how His charm still conquers their hearts.
It warns that charm and eloquence can overpower even the intelligent; a devotee should cultivate discrimination, and redirect powerful attraction toward remembrance of Kṛṣṇa through hearing, chanting, and regulated devotion.